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Best Dispersed Camping near Fresno, CA

100 Reviews

Dispersed camping opportunities abound near Fresno, California, with several free primitive sites available on public lands. Goat Meadow Dispersed Camp Site ranks among the most popular locations, situated just minutes from Yosemite's south entrance. Cherry Gap OHV Staging Area provides convenient access between Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. Forest Service Road 13S09 in Sequoia National Forest features established sites with fire rings and picnic tables. Tumey Hills Box Canyon offers BLM land camping approximately 15 minutes from the main road.

Most dispersed sites require visitors to bring all necessary supplies. No drinking water is available at these locations, and bathroom facilities are extremely limited. According to reviews, Goat Meadow can become crowded during peak seasons and holiday weekends. One camper noted, "This place gets CROWDED. At 5:30 it's like everyone got off work and headed home." Fire regulations vary by location and season; permits are required for all fires in Sequoia National Forest areas, including camp and propane stoves.

Road conditions range from paved to primitive. Goat Meadow accommodates most vehicles including RVs, with flat terrain accessible to standard passenger cars. Several campers reported that Cherry Gap OHV Staging Area can be difficult to locate even with coordinates. Forest Road 13S09 remains calm with minimal traffic, offering shade for campers and sun exposure for solar panels. Wildlife encounters are common; campers should store food properly and maintain awareness of their surroundings. Cell service varies by location, with Verizon reported as reliable at Goat Meadow. The standard 14-day stay limit applies to most dispersed camping areas on federal lands.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Fresno, California (24)

    1. Momyer Creek Trail 1E06

    4 Reviews
    Friant, CA
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (909) 382-2882

    2. Goat Meadow - Dispersed Camp Site

    40 Reviews
    Fish Camp, CA
    50 miles
    Website

    "After accidentally driving to this location following the directions of another reviewer for the “Yosemite Boondocks” campground across 41 (which we never found) we were very happy with this location."

    "Great location, close to Yosemite Park which allows you to sleep for free. the spot was clean, impressive camper vans were present and they were parked on the tarmac. lots of pitches, vans can be placed"

    3. Cherry Gap OHV Staging Area

    11 Reviews
    Hume, CA
    46 miles
    Website

    "About 200 feet further a little area that you can pull off. I’m driving a 170 wheelbase extended Sprinter and had a little difficulty to get in. Anything larger will be difficult. But great spot."

    "Super convenient free camping between Sequoia and Kings Canyon national parks. A park ranger directed me here when all the campgrounds in the park were full."

    4. Yosemite “Boondock National” Dispersed Camping

    12 Reviews
    Fish Camp, CA
    49 miles

    "Nestled amongst trees right on the edge of Yosemite. Was quite busy when I was there but managed to find a quiet spot tucked away & private."

    "Here is the correct location. You can take a dirt road from this parking lot in order to camp in the woods.

    Dropped pin https://goo.gl/maps/2gskCbuY8XRMD82x5"

    5. Sequoia Forest Hunting Area - FS 13597

    5 Reviews
    Dunlap, CA
    41 miles
    Website
    +1 (559) 784-1500

    "We were lucky there was enough room to pass plus in the dark you can see what’s coming as other reviews mention, the road in is narrow in parts and around 1 mile before you get to the camp ground."

    "Everything else was a little bit of a drive away

    You have to get up a steep incline, right road off of the main road and the road is narrow. It was not our favorite part."

    6. FS Road 13s09 Dispersed Camp - Ten Mile Road

    9 Reviews
    Hume, CA
    50 miles
    Website
    +1 (559) 338-2251

    "Nice big camp spot in the Sequoia National Forest, the road was really calm mid-April, we had no car during the night. The spot has firepits, a camping table and loads of bushes."

    "Nice quiet spot right outside the park!"

    7. Tumey Hills Box Canyon

    11 Reviews
    Mendota, CA
    49 miles
    Website
    +1 (831) 582-2200

    "Took us about 15 min to drive to where we camped. There is no water or bathrooms so bring a jug from Lowe’s with a spicket!"

    "Easy overnight BLM spot, we stayed overnight on the way to San Jose - easy to navigate, find & park.

    Close by amenities gas stations, mcdonald’s & freeway about 10 mins out"

    8. Road to Armenian Camp - Dispersed Spot

    4 Reviews
    Dunlap, CA
    41 miles
    Website
    +1 (559) 784-1500

    "I’ve camped here for 14 days on two different occasions. It’s very private other than the manager for the Armenian Camp who comes up and down the road everyday, a few more campers on the weekend."

    9. Boondocking - Coalinga

    5 Reviews
    Coalinga, CA
    45 miles

    "You can hear a highway close but honestly, not bad. I feel pretty relaxed and safe here."

    "Got tired and needed a place to sleep for the night; this area is popular with semi drivers and safe and quiet, with 24-hour bathrooms nearby."

    10. Bald Mountain Lookout

    1 Review
    Shaver Lake, CA
    40 miles

    "If you enter from the Tamarack trail head and go down Rock Creek Rd its easy to get to the overlook tower."

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Fresno, CA

42 Photos of 24 Fresno Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Fresno, CA

100 Reviews of 24 Fresno Campgrounds

  • goose10091203 The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 9, 2025

    Forest Road 13S02 Dispersed Site

    Great spot near the road

    Was a great place to stay. Plenty of shade for you, plenty of sun for you solar panel. Load road, you camp near the side, but it's not heavily trafficked even on the weekends. They are many spots nearby. Some really pretty of you walk and camp. Most are car accessible and has amazing views! Totally recommend

  • HThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 24, 2025

    Yosemite “Boondock National” Dispersed Camping

    Amazing boondocking!!

    What a brilliant place! Nestled amongst trees right on the edge of Yosemite. Was quite busy when I was there but managed to find a quiet spot tucked away & private. Bumpy roads around the actual camping area but manageable in a camper van. Actually saw a few big rigs here too. Only negative was the biting bugs which were everywhere & hungry but didn’t spoil the evening, just wish I’d taken bug spray or a citronella candle!

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 10, 2021

    Goat Meadow - Dispersed Camp Site

    Amazing off grid Location, Quiet, RV access

    After accidentally driving to this location following the directions of another reviewer for the “Yosemite Boondocks” campground across 41 (which we never found) we were very happy with this location.

    First, to tell you how to properly get here and find all the spots, drive to the end of the road (don’t pay attention to the gate and “off road” dirt road you see to the left before the parking lot. Don’t go there. Go to just before the big Snow Play parking lot and head right through the dirt. There is no paved road but the area is flat and any car, truck or rv/trailer can make it back here easily. I got nervous at first about ability to turnaround so I parked prematurely near the entrance. Keep going and you’ll find at least 4 or 5 big private areas separated by huge cut logs all with plenty of room to turnaround and not have to back up.

    If you’re nervous, we watched several cars, vans, and trailers camp overnight in the big paved parking lot right past this, and that’s fine, but you’re in a parking lot. Come out to the right and you’re in heaven.

    We were the only RV here and had it to ourselves an entire week (granted it’s early November). Can’t beat the proximity to Yosemite south entrance.

  • Caroline D.
    May. 4, 2024

    Goat Meadow - Dispersed Camp Site

    Great free camp at the exit of Yosemite park

    Great location, close to Yosemite Park which allows you to sleep for free. the spot was clean, impressive camper vans were present and they were parked on the tarmac. lots of pitches, vans can be placed under the trees with the tents.

  • Frank N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 14, 2025

    Cherry Gap OHV Staging Area

    Great Little Hidden Spot

    Took a right off the main road (Rd 180) where you see signs for the Chicago stump. Took the road a little bit further than the pinpoint where there was a split and took a left. About 200 feet further a little area that you can pull off. I’m driving a 170 wheelbase extended Sprinter and had a little difficulty to get in. Anything larger will be difficult. But great spot.

  • Mouni
    Sep. 23, 2024

    Kamook Staging Camp - PERMANENTLY CLOSED

    Not ideal

    This is more of an ATV spot, I arrived on a Sunday evening and the ATV people were set up and essentially taking up most of the spots meant for camping. They were using the many many trails meant for ATVs before I arrived and, when I parked a decent distance away from where they were set up, they opted to ride circles around my RV throwing dust everywhere and revving their engines (likely an attempt to run me off). The open space at the top of the hill where the restrooms are is meant for camping, I would NOT ADVISE taking any of the other roads as they are steep, uneven, and you will struggle to turn around.

    There’s one spot at the entrance good for camping (away from most of the ATV action) but it is taken up by a permanent boondocker.

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 8, 2025

    Momyer Creek Trail 1E06

    No access

    Tried to stop on the way to Yosemite park. This pulls up to three closed gates that all look to be private properties

  • Genesis C.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 8, 2025

    Tumey Hills Box Canyon

    Beautiful BLM land

    Took us about 15 min to drive to where we camped. There is no water or bathrooms so bring a jug from Lowe’s with a spicket!

Guide to Fresno

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Fresno, California, where you can immerse yourself in nature without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. With a variety of locations offering unique experiences, you'll find the perfect spot to unwind and explore.

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Fresno, California

Scenic Views and Nature Exploration for Dispersed Campers

  • For breathtaking views and a peaceful atmosphere, check out Goat Meadow - Dispersed Camp Site, where you can enjoy the tranquility of nature while being close to Yosemite.
  • If you're looking for a spot with easy access to trails, Cherry Gap OHV Staging Area offers beautiful views and is perfect for off-road enthusiasts.
  • The Tumey Hills Box Canyon area is known for its stunning green hills, making it an ideal location for photography and nature walks.

Activities While Free Camping Near Fresno

  • For those who enjoy hiking, JO Pass provides a challenging hike with beautiful views and the chance to explore nearby lakes.
  • If you're into off-roading, Trimmer Springs Road Riverside is a great spot to set up camp and hit the trails during the day.
  • Fishing enthusiasts will appreciate the proximity of North Fork Confluence, where you can cast a line in serene waters while enjoying the peaceful surroundings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find dispersed camping near Fresno, CA?

Fresno offers excellent access to dispersed camping in nearby national forests. Forest Road 13S02 Dispersed Site provides plenty of shade with spots for both sun and solar needs. The road is accessible by car with minimal traffic even on weekends. Another popular option is Goat Meadow - Dispersed Camp Site, located near Yosemite's south entrance, offering clean, spacious sites suitable for various camping setups. Both locations provide scenic views and serve as excellent base camps for exploring the Sierra Nevada mountains. Remember that dispersed camping requires self-sufficiency - bring everything you need including water and pack out all trash.

Is there free camping available near Fresno, CA?

Yes, several free camping options exist near Fresno. Yosemite "Boondock National" Dispersed Camping offers free sites nestled among trees near Yosemite's boundary. Though it can get busy during peak seasons, campers typically find private spots. The access roads are bumpy but manageable for most vehicles, including some larger rigs. Tumey Hills Box Canyon provides another free option about 15 minutes from the main road. There's no water or bathrooms, so bring your supplies. These sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis, so arriving early, especially during weekends or holidays, is recommended.

What BLM land is available for camping around Fresno?

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) manages several areas near Fresno suitable for dispersed camping. Boondocking - Coalinga offers free camping on BLM land west of Fresno, with spaces accommodating larger vehicles. Cherry Gap OHV Staging Area provides convenient access from Road 180 near the Chicago Stump turnoff. It features multiple pull-off areas suitable for various vehicle sizes, including extended vans. BLM camping typically allows 14-day stays within any 28-day period. Always check for seasonal fire restrictions, pack out all trash, and practice Leave No Trace principles. Some areas may require land use permits, so verify requirements before your trip.

What should I know about secluded wilderness camping near Fresno?

For secluded wilderness camping near Fresno, Sequoia National Forest 13S08 Site offers quiet, isolated spots between Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks. Be prepared for true wilderness camping - no water, bathrooms, or trash facilities. Fire permits are required for ALL fires, including camp and propane stoves. Sequoia Forest Hunting Area - FS 13597 provides additional secluded options with drive-in access. For wilderness camping, bring everything you need, including ample water, and pack out all waste. Cell service is typically limited or non-existent, so download offline maps and inform someone of your plans. Weather conditions can change rapidly, so pack appropriate gear for temperature fluctuations.

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